The Dave Matthews Band has been one of the most popular touring acts of the past 15 years. They have made their name with amazing and energetic live performances which leave the audience wanting more. DMB has actually been dubbed by Billboard magazine as the top touring American band in the world. They have released countless live albums in addition to their seven studio albums (not including Remember Two Things or the EP Recently). With their large assortment of songs, they have created some great music, and here is a list of the top 10 songs they band has crafted.
10. Shake Me Like a Monkey
Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.
This song has quickly become a favorite and is destined to grow as an amazing live song. With the one-two punch of Grux into Shake Me Like a Monkey, this may be the best opening song sequence the band has ever had on a studio album. It’s loud and powerful and just makes you want to stand up and dance.
9. Crash Into Me
Crash
Crash Into Me has been DMB’s most popular radio hit by far. It’s a hard song not to like and even non fans of the band can get into it. The only problem is that this is the song they are most known for, which is a shame, and it is often overplayed.
8. Proudest Monkey
Crash
Apparently Dave has some sort of fixation for monkeys (but then again, who doesn’t). The rhythm is great and it makes the listener actually feel like their swinging in their tree, pondering about leaving home and exploring the bigger world.
7. Blue Water Baboon Farm
Unreleased
This song had to go on the list somewhere. It’s an amazingly beautiful song and its a shame the full band doesn’t perform it any more. I don’t know any hard core Dave fan that wouldn’t pee their pants if this song was ever brought back and played live in its entirely. If you haven’t had the fortune of hearing it before, it’s available for download through several fan sites on the web, including Antsmarching.org.
6. Bartender
Busted Stuff
Originally heard on the Lillywhite Sessions, this is a powerful song that places God behind the counter top as a bartender. An interesting notion that makes an incredible song. Not only that but it’s a nice live song. It was also the first song the band played live after the death of founding member Leroi More
5. The Stone
Before These Crowded Streets
Honestly, about 8 songs from this CD could have made the Dave Matthews Band top 10 list. The CD seemed to almost get better and better with each passing song. That’s probably why there are more songs from that CD on this list than any other (obviously more to come).
4. Grey Street
Busted Stuff
A beautifully heartfelt song and a great live song as well. It doesn’t change much from listen to listen, but it’s always nice to hear it. It’s also the perfect song for those who don’t like the twenty minute jam outs (if those kinds of people actually exist).
3. Ants Marching
Under the Table and Dreaming
This is the song that put the band on the map. Its still an ultimate fan favorite and one of the great live songs. It also seems to get longer and more intense with every summer tour.
2. Crush
Before These Crowded Streets
This song is perhaps the greatest layered and mastered song the band has every created. It’s a beautiful love song and might also have the best music video as well.
1. Dreaming Tree
Before These Crowded Streets
It was a toss up between these last two songs, but I had to go with Dreaming Tree. There is just something about the intro that is just incredible and can give anyone the shivers. The song has beautiful lyrics, a terrific flow to the song and layering almost as good as Crush. This is also a nice surprise to hear during a live show as well.
